Glen overcome sluggish start to seal three-in-a-row in the Derry SFC

Glen 1-13 O'Donovan Rossa 0-07

Glen secured a hat-trick of Derry senior football titles after a dominant second half display against Magherafelt in front of 5,360 fans in Celtic Park on Sunday evening.

Malachy O'Rourke's men were off the pace in the opening half but managed to ensure parity at the break before kicking on with a Cathall Mulholland goal two minutes into the second period.

From there, the Watty's never looked back, easing away from Magherafelt to come home with plenty to spare.

Magherafelt couldn't quite replicate the intensity of their first 30 minutes but will look back on the first half loss to injury of Derry keeper Odhran Lynch as a key moment.

O'Rourke's men, going for a third Derry senior title in succession, started brightly with a lovely long range point from county man Ciaran McFaul but Magherafelt were level within four minutes through a Shea McGuckin free.

Again, Glen hit the front through a Eunan Mulholland point and while Cormac Murphy this time replied for Damian Barton's team, they had Conall Herron to thank for the ball not being in the back of their net after a contender for tackle of this or any other championship.

And the longer the half wore on, the more significant this goal-saving tackle looked as Magherafelt settled well to forge a three point lead thanks to scores from All Star nominee Eoin McEvoy, a free from Shane Heavron and a lovely solo effort from Paddy McLarnon.

But, in between, Lynch, pulled up with what appeared a hamstring injury and they missed his contribution.

Indeed the break in play had allowed Glen to regroup and three scores without replay meant the sides would go into half-time level.

It was evenly poised, but just as they had in the semi-final against Slaughtneil, Watty